Pauli's theorem and quantum canonical pairs: the consistency of a bounded, self–adjoint time operator canonically conjugate to a Hamiltonian with non–empty point spectrum
Eric Galapon
In single Hilbert space, Pauli's well–known theorem implies that the existence of a self–adjoint time operator canonically conjugate to a given Hamiltonian requires the Hamiltonian to possess completely continuous spectra spanning the entire real line. Thus the conclusion that there exists no self–adjoint time operator conjugate to a semibounded or discrete Hamiltonian despite some well–known illustrative, implicit counterexamples. In this paper we evaluate Pauli's theorem against the single Hilbert space formulation of quantum mechanics, and consequently show the consistency of assuming a bounded, self–adjoint time operator canonically conjugate to a Hamiltonian with an unbounded, or semibounded, or finite point spectrum. We point out Pauli's implicit assumptions and show that they are not consistent. We demonstrate our analysis by giving two explicit examples. Moreover, we clarify issues surrounding the different solutions to the canonical commutation relations, and, consequently, expand the class of acceptable canonical pairs beyond the solutions required by Pauli's theorem.
arXiv:quant-ph/9908033•Proceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences•Jan 8, 2002•131 citations